Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.
1. An input device, comprising: a main body including an input component that receives a load by being pressed; a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the load received by the input component; a drive unit configured to perform a predetermined operation; and a controller including a drive controller and a detection controller, the drive controller activating the drive unit when the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor reaches a predetermined load threshold, and the detection controller changing the predetermined load threshold in accordance with a rate of change in the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor, wherein: the drive unit is configured to vibrate the input component in response to control by the drive controller, the predetermined load threshold is one of (i) a predetermined press threshold for a press input defined by a gradual increase in the load received by the input component and (ii) a predetermined release threshold for a release input defined by a gradual decrease in the load received by the input component, the drive controller activates the drive unit when one of (i) the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor during the press input gradually increases and reaches the predetermined press threshold and (ii) the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor during the release input gradually decreases and reaches the predetermined release threshold, and the detection controller one of (i) changes the predetermined press threshold in accordance with the rate of change in the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor during the press input, the rate of change during the press input being a press velocity, and (ii) changes the predetermined release threshold in accordance with the rate of change in the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor during the release input, the rate of change during the release input being a release velocity.
This invention relates to an input device with adaptive pressure sensitivity, addressing the challenge of improving user interaction by dynamically adjusting response thresholds based on input speed. The device includes a main body with an input component that detects applied pressure via a pressure-sensitive sensor. A drive unit generates vibrations, and a controller manages two functions: a drive controller activates the drive unit when detected pressure reaches a predefined threshold, while a detection controller adjusts this threshold based on the rate of pressure change (velocity). The system distinguishes between press and release inputs. For press inputs, the threshold is a press threshold that triggers when pressure gradually increases to a set level. For release inputs, the threshold is a release threshold that triggers when pressure gradually decreases to a set level. The detection controller dynamically modifies these thresholds according to the input velocity—faster press or release actions adjust the thresholds accordingly, ensuring responsive and intuitive feedback. The drive unit vibrates the input component when thresholds are met, providing tactile confirmation. This adaptive mechanism enhances user experience by accommodating varying input speeds and pressures, improving accuracy and responsiveness in interactive applications.
2. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the detection controller one of (i) sets the predetermined press threshold to a first press threshold when the press velocity does not exceed a predetermined press velocity threshold during the press input, and sets the predetermined press threshold to a second press threshold lower than the first press threshold when the press velocity exceeds the predetermined press velocity threshold during the press input, and (ii) sets the predetermined release threshold to a first release threshold when the release velocity does not exceed a predetermined release velocity threshold during the release input, and sets the predetermined release threshold to a second release threshold higher than the first release threshold when the release velocity exceeds the predetermined release velocity threshold during the release input.
The invention relates to an input device, such as a touch-sensitive surface or button, that dynamically adjusts press and release thresholds based on input velocity to improve responsiveness and user experience. The device includes a detection controller that monitors the velocity of a user's press or release action. When the press velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller lowers the press threshold, making it easier to register a press input. Conversely, when the release velocity exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller raises the release threshold, reducing accidental releases. This adaptive threshold adjustment ensures that the device responds accurately to intentional inputs while minimizing unintended activations. The system enhances usability by distinguishing between deliberate and accidental actions based on velocity, particularly in scenarios where users apply varying force or speed. The invention is applicable to touchscreens, mechanical buttons, and other input mechanisms where precise control is required.
3. The input device according to claim 2 , wherein the predetermined press velocity threshold is set based on a plurality of press velocities, each being the press velocity, obtained by a user performing the press input a plurality of times, and the predetermined release velocity threshold is set based on a plurality of release velocities, each being the release velocity, obtained by the user performing the release input a plurality of times.
This invention relates to input devices, specifically those designed to detect and respond to press and release inputs with improved accuracy. The problem addressed is the variability in user input speeds, which can lead to misinterpretation of intended actions. The solution involves dynamically adjusting press and release velocity thresholds based on a user's historical input patterns. The input device includes a sensor configured to detect press and release inputs, measuring the velocity of each action. A processing unit analyzes these velocities to establish personalized thresholds. For press inputs, the device calculates a predetermined press velocity threshold by evaluating multiple press velocities recorded during repeated user interactions. Similarly, for release inputs, a predetermined release velocity threshold is derived from multiple release velocities obtained from the user's repeated release actions. These thresholds adapt to the user's natural input speed, reducing errors caused by inconsistent input velocities. By learning from the user's behavior, the device ensures that inputs are accurately classified as intended, whether fast or slow. This adaptive approach enhances usability, particularly in applications requiring precise input recognition, such as touchscreens, buttons, or other interactive interfaces. The system improves reliability by minimizing false positives or negatives due to velocity variations.
4. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive controller changes, in accordance with the press velocity, at least one of an amplitude, a frequency, and a duration of a vibration applied to the input component by the drive unit.
This invention relates to an input device with a drive unit that applies vibration to an input component, such as a button or touch surface, to provide tactile feedback. The problem addressed is the need for dynamic and adaptive tactile feedback that enhances user interaction by adjusting vibration characteristics based on input conditions. The input device includes a drive controller that modifies at least one of the amplitude, frequency, or duration of the vibration in response to the press velocity of the input component. For example, faster presses may trigger stronger or more frequent vibrations, while slower presses may produce gentler or longer-lasting feedback. This adaptive feedback improves user experience by making interactions more intuitive and responsive. The drive unit may use actuators, such as piezoelectric or electromagnetic devices, to generate the vibrations, and the controller dynamically adjusts these parameters to match the input velocity. The invention ensures that tactile feedback is contextually relevant, enhancing precision and user satisfaction in applications like gaming, virtual reality, or industrial interfaces.
5. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the input component moves in a direction in which the load is applied, in accordance with an increase in the load, the main body includes a stopper that contacts the input component to restrict movement of the input component in the direction, when the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor during the press input reaches a predetermined maximum load, the drive controller changes, among an amplitude, a frequency, and a duration of a vibration applied to the input component by the drive unit, at least the amplitude, and the predetermined maximum load is set to a value greater than a value of the load at contact between the input component and the stopper during the press input.
An input device includes a main body and an input component that moves in response to applied load, such as a press input. The device detects the load using a pressure-sensitive sensor and generates haptic feedback via a drive unit. The main body has a stopper that limits the input component's movement when the load reaches a certain threshold. When the detected load reaches a predetermined maximum value, which is higher than the load at which the input component contacts the stopper, the drive controller adjusts at least the amplitude of the vibration applied to the input component. The adjustment can also include changes to the vibration's frequency or duration. This design ensures that the input component provides tactile feedback at a consistent point in its travel, enhancing user perception of input confirmation while preventing excessive movement. The system improves haptic responsiveness in devices like touchscreens or mechanical buttons by dynamically modulating vibration parameters based on load detection.
6. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein when the press input is repeated two or more times consecutively, the detection controller sets the predetermined press threshold for second and subsequent instances of the press input lower than the predetermined press threshold set for a first instance of the press input.
This invention relates to input devices, particularly those designed to detect press inputs with improved sensitivity for repeated actions. The problem addressed is the inconsistency in detecting repeated press inputs, where subsequent presses may not be registered due to higher threshold requirements, leading to user frustration and reduced device responsiveness. The input device includes a detection controller that adjusts the press threshold dynamically. For the first press input, a standard predetermined press threshold is applied. However, when the press input is repeated two or more times consecutively, the detection controller lowers the press threshold for the second and subsequent presses. This adjustment ensures that repeated presses are detected more reliably, even if the user applies slightly less force or pressure than the initial press. The system may be used in touchscreens, mechanical buttons, or other input mechanisms where repeated actions are common, such as gaming controllers, keyboards, or touch-sensitive interfaces. The adaptive threshold reduces the likelihood of missed inputs while maintaining accuracy for the first press. This approach enhances user experience by making the device more responsive to rapid or consecutive inputs.
7. The input device according to claim 1 , wherein the drive controller changes, in accordance with the release velocity, at least one of an amplitude, a frequency, and a duration of a vibration applied to the input component by the drive unit.
This invention relates to input devices, particularly those incorporating haptic feedback mechanisms. The problem addressed is the need for more intuitive and responsive tactile feedback in input devices, such as touchscreens or buttons, to enhance user interaction by dynamically adjusting vibration characteristics based on user input. The input device includes an input component, a drive unit, and a drive controller. The drive unit generates vibrations applied to the input component, while the drive controller modulates these vibrations in response to user interactions. Specifically, the drive controller adjusts at least one of the amplitude, frequency, or duration of the vibration based on the release velocity of the input component. For example, a faster release may trigger a higher-amplitude or shorter-duration vibration, while a slower release may produce a lower-amplitude or longer-duration vibration. This dynamic adjustment provides more nuanced feedback, improving user perception of the device's responsiveness. The drive controller may also incorporate additional features, such as detecting the release velocity using sensors or algorithms, and selecting vibration parameters from predefined profiles or calculating them in real-time. The drive unit may use actuators, such as piezoelectric or electromagnetic devices, to generate the vibrations. The input component can be a touch-sensitive surface, a physical button, or another interactive element. The overall system aims to create a more immersive and precise haptic experience, making interactions feel more natural and informative.
8. An input device, comprising: a main body including an input component that receives a load by being pressed; a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the load received by the input component; a drive unit configured to perform a predetermined operation; a controller including a drive controller and a detection controller, the drive controller activating the drive unit when the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor reaches a predetermined load threshold, and the detection controller changing the predetermined load threshold in accordance with a rate of change in the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor; and an electrostatic capacitive touch sensor configured to detect a surface area of contact with at least an object used to perform an input, wherein: the controller: calculates pressure applied to the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor by dividing the load output from the pressure-sensitive sensor by the surface area output from the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor; determines a load state, including whether a press input is being performed or not, of the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor by comparing the pressure with a predetermined pressure threshold; provides haptic feedback to the object according to the load state; calculates a vibration strength for the drive unit based on the surface area; includes storage that stores a reference vibration strength for the drive unit and a plurality of coefficients corresponding to different magnitudes of the surface area; and calculates the vibration strength for the surface area output by the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor based on a mathematical product of the reference vibration strength and a coefficient in the plurality of coefficients that corresponds to the surface area output by the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor, and the drive unit is configured to generate the haptic feedback to be applied to the object by vibrating the electrostatic capacitive touch sensor.
An input device includes a main body with an input component that receives a load when pressed. A pressure-sensitive sensor detects the applied load, and a drive unit performs a predetermined operation. A controller includes a drive controller that activates the drive unit when the detected load reaches a predetermined threshold, and a detection controller that adjusts this threshold based on the rate of load change. An electrostatic capacitive touch sensor detects the contact surface area of an input object. The controller calculates pressure by dividing the load from the pressure-sensitive sensor by the surface area from the touch sensor. It determines the load state (e.g., whether a press input is occurring) by comparing the calculated pressure to a pressure threshold and provides haptic feedback accordingly. The controller also calculates vibration strength for the drive unit based on the surface area, using a reference vibration strength and coefficients corresponding to different surface area magnitudes. The drive unit generates haptic feedback by vibrating the touch sensor. The system dynamically adjusts input sensitivity and feedback intensity based on both load and contact area, improving responsiveness and user experience.
9. The input device according to claim 8 , wherein the controller calculates the vibration strength to increase with an increase in the surface area.
This invention relates to an input device with a controller that adjusts vibration strength based on the surface area of a contact region. The device includes a touch-sensitive surface that detects contact from a user, such as a finger or stylus, and determines the surface area of the contact region. The controller then calculates a vibration strength that increases proportionally with the surface area of the contact. For example, a larger contact area results in a stronger vibration, while a smaller contact area results in a weaker vibration. This provides tactile feedback that varies based on the size of the contact, enhancing user interaction. The device may also include a vibration actuator to generate the tactile feedback. The invention addresses the problem of providing intuitive and responsive haptic feedback in touch-based interfaces, improving user experience by dynamically adjusting vibration intensity to match the size of the contact area.
10. The input device according to claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to arbitrarily set the reference vibration strength.
This invention relates to input devices, particularly those incorporating haptic feedback mechanisms. The problem addressed is the lack of flexibility in adjusting the intensity of haptic feedback in conventional input devices, which often limits user customization and adaptability to different applications. The input device includes a controller that dynamically adjusts the reference vibration strength of the haptic feedback mechanism. This allows the device to produce vibrations of varying intensities based on user preferences or application requirements. The controller can arbitrarily set the reference vibration strength, enabling precise control over the feedback experience. This feature is particularly useful in applications where different levels of feedback are needed, such as gaming, virtual reality, or accessibility tools. The device may also include a sensor to detect user interactions, such as touch or pressure, and adjust the haptic feedback accordingly. The controller processes these inputs to determine the appropriate vibration strength, ensuring the feedback is responsive and contextually relevant. By allowing arbitrary adjustment of the reference vibration strength, the device provides a more personalized and adaptable haptic experience compared to fixed-intensity systems. This enhances user engagement and interaction quality in various digital environments.
11. An input device comprising: a main body including an input component that receives a load by being pressed; a pressure-sensitive sensor that detects the load received by the input component; a drive unit configured to perform a predetermined operation; a controller including a drive controller and a detection controller, the drive controller activating the drive unit when the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor reaches a predetermined load threshold, and the detection controller changing the predetermined load threshold in accordance with a rate of change in the load detected by the pressure-sensitive sensor; a touch pad including an input surface, the touch pad being configured to receive a touch input via contact between the input surface and an object; and a display that displays a display screen including a cursor that is movable, wherein the controller: calculates a distance of travel of the cursor on the display screen based on one of (i) a magnitude of a surface area of contact between the touch pad and the object and a coordinate change quantity indicating an amount of movement of the object on the input surface of the touch pad resulting from the touch input based on a detection value from the touch pad, and (ii) a total number of contacts between the touch pad and the object and a coordinate change quantity indicating an amount of movement of the object on the input surface of the touch pad resulting from the touch input based on a detection value from the touch pad, and outputs the distance of travel of the cursor to the display device.
This invention relates to an input device combining a pressure-sensitive input component with a touch pad for cursor control. The device addresses the challenge of providing precise and adaptive input control in electronic systems, particularly for tasks requiring both tactile feedback and touch-based navigation. The input device includes a main body with a pressure-sensitive input component that detects applied load via a pressure-sensitive sensor. A drive unit performs operations when the detected load reaches a predetermined threshold, which is dynamically adjusted by a controller based on the rate of change in the detected load. The device also features a touch pad with an input surface for receiving touch inputs, and a display showing a movable cursor. The controller calculates cursor movement distance based on either the contact surface area between the touch pad and an object (e.g., a finger) and the object's movement coordinates, or the total number of contacts and the object's movement coordinates. This adaptive approach enhances responsiveness and accuracy in cursor control, improving user interaction with electronic devices. The system dynamically adjusts input sensitivity to user behavior, optimizing performance for various tasks.
12. The input device according to claim 11 , wherein the controller one of: (i) reduces the distance of travel of the cursor as the surface area increases; (ii) reduces the distance of travel of the cursor as the surface area decreases; (iii) changes the distance of travel of the cursor in accordance with increases and decreases in the surface area while there is continuous contact between the touch pad and the object; and (iv) when the object is moving, determines the distance of travel of the cursor based on the coordinate change quantity and the surface area at initial contact between the object and the touch pad, and continuously outputs the distance of travel of the cursor determined to the external device until the object is removed from the touch pad.
This invention relates to an input device with a touch pad that adjusts cursor movement based on the surface area of contact between an object (e.g., a finger or stylus) and the touch pad. The device includes a controller that dynamically modifies cursor travel distance in response to changes in contact surface area. The controller can either reduce cursor travel as the contact area increases or decreases, or adjust cursor movement proportionally to surface area changes while maintaining continuous contact. Additionally, when the object is in motion, the controller calculates cursor travel distance using the initial contact surface area and the change in coordinates, then continuously outputs this adjusted distance to an external device until the object is lifted. This technology addresses the problem of inconsistent cursor control in touch-based input devices, particularly when varying contact pressure or surface area affects tracking accuracy. By dynamically adapting cursor movement to contact conditions, the invention improves precision and user experience in touch-sensitive input systems.
13. The input device according to claim 11 , wherein the drive unit is electrically connected to the controller and configured to vibrate the touch pad when mechanically coupled to the touch pad, and while the drive unit is being driven, the controller prohibits changing of the distance of travel of the cursor to prevent the distance of travel of the cursor from varying from increases and decreases in the surface area.
This invention relates to an input device with a touch pad that provides haptic feedback through vibration. The device includes a drive unit mechanically coupled to the touch pad, which is electrically connected to a controller. When activated, the drive unit vibrates the touch pad to provide tactile feedback to the user. During vibration, the controller prevents the cursor's movement distance from changing, ensuring consistent cursor control despite variations in surface area contact. This prevents unintended cursor movement caused by the vibration, maintaining accurate input. The touch pad may include a sensor to detect user input, such as finger movement, and the controller processes this input to adjust cursor position. The drive unit may be a motor or actuator that generates vibrations when powered by the controller. The system ensures that haptic feedback does not interfere with precise cursor control, improving user experience in touch-based input devices.
Unknown
September 8, 2020
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